Thursday, April 3, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 144

Silence by parliamentary leadership on “smuggled” bill is a shame – CDEDI

Malawi Observer
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Silence by parliamentary leadership on “smuggled” bill is a shame – CDEDI

By Iommie Chiwalo

Namiwa: Let Hon. Gotani Hara and madam Kalemba exonerate themselves from this mafia kind of syndicate within 48 hours

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has noted that the silence by parliamentary leadership whose membership comprises speaker, leader of the house and leader of opposition among others, on the infamous “smuggled” bill is not only disheartening but a shame.

This comes after it is reported that the draft piece, No. 22 of 2021, Loan Authorisation Bill, allowing the Malawi government to borrow K93 billion to finance the construction of houses for security men in the country, mysteriously found its way onto the Order Paper in the National Assembly. 

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa in the statement says Malawians are deeply shocked with the deafening silence from the Clerk of Parliament Madam Fiona Kalemba the only person authorized by law to bring bills before the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the House and the Leader of opposition for deliberation before they appear on the order paper.

CDEDI in its statement made available to this publication says it is worth pointing out right at the onset that all the loans, which government secures through processes such as loan authorization bills, and get deliberated and passed in Parliament, are paid back through tax payers money.

“Such decisions to secure loans, therefore, ought to be made in the best interest of all Malawians. But this has not most often, been the case,” says Namiwa.

Adding that “since now that we know the main architects that are involved in this unprecedented matter, following the arrests that have been made so far by the police, it is everyone’s expectation to know the motive behind this shoddy act! 

Procedurally the clerk of parliament is also responsible for gazetting of the bills in the Government Gazette.

“Therefore, all the critical questions surrounding the mysterious bill can ably be handled by Madam Kalemba. Her silence and that of her own boss the Hon. Gotani Hara is creating an impression that the two suspects that have been arrested in connection with the matter, did the job single handedly, without the help of any official from Parliament. This can only be possible in the ‘Mission Impossible’ kind of movies! Isn’t this an insult on the intelligence of Malawians?,” he says.
Namiwa disclosed that bearing in mind the huge public interest this shameful scandal has attracted, CDEDI is demanding that President Chakwera should, for once, act decisively on the matter, by instituting an independent committee to investigate the scandal within 30 days.

“And let Hon. Gotani Hara and madam Kalemba exonerate themselves from this mafia kind of syndicate, within 48 hours, by speaking out on the matter,” he says.

Namiwa has also warned that looking at the way Dr. Chakwera has previously handled so carelessly such very serious matters of national concern, President should tread carefully this time around, for fear of putting his job on the line.

“Any smokescreen attempts on this issue, will not only dent the already buttered image of the Tonse Alliance Partners, but result into a catastrophe, as citizens will be forced to act,”

Efforts to talk to leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa proved futile as he could not pick his phone despite several attempts

Leaked MCP PR strategy says Chakwera popularity declining: Praises Chilima PR team

Malawi Observer
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Leaked MCP PR strategy says Chakwera popularity declining: Praises Chilima PR team

A leaked Public Relations strategy paper to prop up the image of President Lazarous Chakwera has acknowledged that the President’s popularity is declining fast across the country, just a year after being voted into office.

The private and confidential document titled ‘ Brand Identity Strategy Concept Note:says the wide support and love that Chakwera enjoyed last year is waning and the direction of the country remain unclear.

The strategy attributes the sudden turn of events to delays in decision making, failure to honour promises, and reversal of decisions as some of the reasons and a general lack of strategists and strong media team to sell the presidents agenda and fan off criticism and propaganda.

But unprecedented rise in corruption, scandals in government and nepotism in the appointment of officers are some of the reasons to Chakwera’s loss of popularity, which have not been highlighted in the strategy paper.

However, the strategy paper boldly admits that MCP’s alliance partner, UTM is fast and better at political spinning and presence on social media.

The document has also acknowledged that Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima is professionally and well covered on social media and in mainstream media during the visits he makes to various development projects across the country.

The strategy has also noted that Chakwera has also lost the support and influence of renowned social media commentators who supported him on his way to state house.

In order to improve the image of the President and regaining the support, the strategy proposes to embark on several strategies which include use of “resonating” chiefs to promote Chakwera, enlist commentators to promote the image of the President.

The strategy also proposes to ” poach some big fish” from the opposition and alliance partner UTM to join MCP, implement a youth care strategy and launch a stimulus package to empower people economically.

The strategy paper has been authored by one of MCP’s well known operative Fredreck Changaya who is also a marketer by profession.

TNM Plc clarifies it’s pricing on bank related digital products and services

Malawi Observer
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TNM Plc clarifies it’s pricing on bank related digital products and services
MBWANA: TNM provides services to commercial banks at negotiated and discounted rates

Malawi’s pioneer mobile phone network operator TNM Plc has clarified that charges to banks that use its network services are affordable and discounted.

The clarification follows a meeting between TNM Plc and Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament on 4 August 2021 at which the operator was invited to respond to allegations of exorbitant pricing for bank-related digital products and services raised by the commercial banks through the Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) to the committee in April 2021.

TNM Chief Executive Officer Arnold Mbwana said TNM provides services to commercial banks at negotiated and discounted rates and that the lower cost was helping Malawi’s financial sector players reduce their cost of operating branch services in general.

To drive his point home on the cost of banking services in Malawi and the telco services that power digital related banking services, Mr Mbwana said that TNM’s current service charge to the banks is at a discount of up to 37.5%.

Mbwana said at the current rate, the TNM mobile network platform is helping banks reduce operating costs as they are able to reduce physical contact with customers at branches and other key points of service.

He said some of the rates such as SMS charged by TNM on banks are below the market premium, and which the banks could not provide at any cheaper rate using banking halls or any of their other technologies.

“It must be noted that digital banking goes a long way in reducing queues in the banking halls thereby enabling banks to cut on costs of constructing or renting new banking halls, branches and all the staff and utility costs,” he said.

TNM currently provides various network services to eight commercial banks, key of which are SMS and the USSD (short code) service.

“In case where the customers require to use online banking and mobile apps, they actually pay their own internet costs to mobile network providers to access the bank’s digital services online,” clarified the CEO.

Mbwana also pointed to the high tax burden and lack of relief thereon, regulatory levies and fees, distance from the sea, currency fluctuations and cost of international internet gateway as some of the factors influencing current pricing of mobile network services pricing in Malawi.

He therefore appealed to both Parliament and Government to exercise equity and flexibility in the implementation of taxes as one way of easing costs to the end user.

“While it would be expected that there will be more support towards digital financial services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament has recently passed the VAT (Amendment) Bill which specifically excludes banking services that are not licensed under the financial services laws, such as mobile money services, from VAT exemption, yet mobile money services serve the most poor and vulnerable of our communities. Does this support the financial inclusion agenda?” wondered the TNM CEO.

He further pointed out that taxes on mobile phone operators are punitive and loaded, which does not give TNM Plc breathing space.

Key taxes paid by TNM customers include excise on data, VAT on devices and data, media levy and spectrum fees among others.

Chilima says Sadc Summit Opportunity for Mw, Inspects Preparatory Works

Malawi Observer
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Chilima says Sadc Summit Opportunity for Mw, Inspects Preparatory Works

Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima on Wednesday inspected various preparatory taking place in the capital city with a message that the 41st SADC Summit of Heads of State is an opportunity for Malawi to give the best impression to the world.

Chilima, who was ordered last Sunday by President Lazarus Chakwera to inspect the works, said he was impressed with the work that the committee has done and urged them to work around the clock considering that visitors start arriving Monday.

The committee is led by Foreign Affairs Minister Eisenhower Mkaka who also accompanied the Vice President during tour presented a report on the position of preparations of the Summit, as submitted by the various Subcommittees.

“Malawi should regard the hosting of the Summit and the assuming of the SADC Chairmanship as a one time opportunity to show the world what it is capable of and display the beauty that the country has,”Chilima said.

The Vice President said he will tour all Summit hotspots to ensure that all things are in place and orderly.

Chilima graces CEOs summit: calls for vibrant private sector

Malawi Observer
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Chilima graces CEOs summit: calls for vibrant private sector
CHILIMA: Leaders in both public and private sector should be the ones to take the bullet before punishing employees with retrenchments when an institution faces financial stress.

Vice President Saulos Chilima has challenged the private to spearhead affairs of the country as the sector is the engine of the country’s economic growth.

Speaking at the inuagural CEOs summit in Lilongwe on Friday evening, Chilima challenged the private sector to create jobs if the country is to grow its tax revenue base.

He assured the private sector that government will continue to safeguard the working environment of sector as one way of boosting the economy.

The Veep praised the inaugural CEOs forum saying it offers a meaningful Public Private Partnership opportunities in the quest for industry based economic transformation.
 
However, the Vice President urged the private sector to take up the challenge of the industrialization agenda with sacrifice in the exploitation of the numerous opportunities at the disposal.

He said the collaboration between the private and public sectors will help CEOs share views and explore partnerships for commercial ventures.

Among the notable faces who attended the summit, included the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma, National Planning Commission Director General Dr Thomas Munthali, Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, Philip Madinga, among several others.  

According to Chilima, leaders in both public and private sector should be the ones to take the bullet before punishing employees with retrenchments when an institution faces financial stress.

Chilima then assured the private sector of government’s commitment to the creation of the enabling environment for investment, citing the country’s agenda 2063 which describes the private sector as one of the seven enablers of economic transformation.

Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, Philip Madinga asked government to promote private sector investment through good governance.

He challenged government to reorganise and strengthen  private sector institutions like the Malawi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) to ensure the country achieves the vision  2063.

He further asked suggested re establishment of Malawi Development Corporation (MDC) to play a leading role in the actualization of long term investment in key sectors.

FDH Bank posts K4.5 billion profit in half year financial results

Malawi Observer
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FDH Bank posts K4.5 billion profit in half year financial results
George Chitera- FDH Bank plc Acting Managing Director

Listed FDH Bank plc has registered a half year Profit after tax of K4.550 billion up from K3.223 billion achieved over a similar period in 2020.

In a statement signed by FDH Bank plc Board Chairperson Charity Mseka, Acting Managing Director George Chitera, Board Chairperson for Finance and Audit Committee Ulemu Katunga and Head of Finance Richard Chipezaani, the bank said the net interest income has gone up by 70% on the back of the increase in the loan book and other interest-bearing assets while Interest expense has gone up by 31% reflecting the growth of the Bank’s deposits.

“Non-interest income decreased by 18% mainly due to the slowing down of business because of the Covid-19 pandemic. International trade and local business transaction volumes continue to be negatively affected by logistical challenges faced in the international supply chain as a result of lockdowns in trading partner countries. The increase in net interest income that was partly offset by the decrease in non-interest income resulted in total income growth of 19%,” reads the statement in part.

The bank also said operating expenses grew by 6% when compared to the same period last year.

“The Bank continues to put more focus on effective cost management as we continue to bring down the cost to income ratio. Total assets increased by 30% from December 2020 mainly emanating from the increase in loan book by 22% and Government Securities by 70%. Notwithstanding the growth in the loan book, non-performing loans (NPL) ratio stood at 1.24% as at 30 June 2021. Customer deposits increased by 13% from K164 billion to K179 billion,” reads the statement in part.

The Bank also bemoaned the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic saying it had an effect on the half year performance as economic activities continued to be suppressed as a result of the second wave of infections.

Charity Mseka-FDH Bank plc Board Chairperson

“Most of the corporates and businesses continued operating at reduced capacity with the intention of maintaining social distance and suppressed consumer demand. Travel restrictions and lockdowns in trading partner countries slowed down most of the local businesses. This in turn slowed down the non-funded business growth as the number of customer transactions went down,” said the bank in the statement.

The Bank also said the expected credit losses also increased because of the increase in credit risk due to the slowing down of business activities and economic growth in general.

Looking ahead, the Bank notes, inflation is expected to remain in single digits averaging around 9.5% to the end of 2021 on account of declining food prices on the back of a good harvest. The Bank also anticipates the Kwacha/US Dollar exchange rate to average MK845/US$ in 2021 while the Malawi growth domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to average between 1.5% and 2% in 2021.

“The Bank continues to implement the new cycle of strategic objectives running from 2021 to 2024, focusing on leveraging on our market position, widest distribution network, effective digital platform, brand equity, and strong financial performance.”

“The Bank remains committed to creating value to our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders by focusing on growing revenue and market share, reducing operating cost for sustainable performance and profitability, creating highly engaged employees and contributing significantly to the creation of an inclusive, diverse and sustainable society,” reads the statement in part.

FDH bank plc directors therefore approved an interim dividend of K2.3 billion in respect of 2021 half year profits representing 33t (K0.33) per share. The dividend will be paid on 27 August 2021 to members appearing in the register of the Company as at close of business on 13 August 2021.

Chakwera Pays 15m Pounds to Tony Blair Institute for PR spin, Lies Violet not going to Brussels

Malawi Observer
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Chakwera Pays 15m Pounds to Tony Blair Institute for PR spin, Lies Violet not going to Brussels
BLAIR: Chewing Malawi’s tax payers money

It doesn’t rain but pour for Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera who has splashed 15 million pounds to Tony Blair Institute to spin for him after a disastrous BBC Hard Talk interview that reduced him to an inexperienced and clueless leader.

In the interview the President was clueless failing to answer basic questions, forcing his critics to say his mediocre performance was a confirmation that the President was not in control.

Others have said his Vice President should have been delegated because the issues that he failed to respond are better handled by Saulos Chilima, his proactive deputy and a coalition partner who gave him the presidency on a silver platter but he is currently being sidelined by Chakwera and his inner circle.

“This is the Vice President who was publicly sent to come up with a report to overhaul the public sector but Chakwera has thrown the report away for reasons known to himself,” said one analyst on social media.

As the bad press over Chakwera’s poor performance on Hardtalk grew and circulated forcing the President to fire Press Officer Brian Banda who booked the interview – State House quickly paid Tony Blair Institute for a spin hiring mercenary journalist Daniel Smith to come with an article at the price of over K15,000,000.

The article, circulating on social media, tries but in vain to portray the interview as a draw.

“However, aside from one or two weak responses, such as his unconvincing justification for taking a member of his family on a foreign trip, President Chakwera acquitted himself with refreshing dexterity, perhaps owing to his training in philosophy and prowess in oratory. To be sure, this interview was tense, but that is precisely because it was a perfect balance between the gallant effort by Sarah Montague to expose President Chakwera’s weaknesses and the President’s ability to push back by leveraging his strengths. Although the duel can be reasonably said to have ended in a draw,” the article spins.

President Chakwera also unashamedly denied to have appointed his daughter Violet as a diplomat to Brussels yet back home he defended the appointment on the basis that she is qualified.

“Get your facts right. My daughter is not going to Brussels,” said Chakwera.

But knowing how Chakwera lies this meant that Violet is going to London not Brussels because that’s what has happened.

While President Chakwera has denied appointing her daughter to a diplomatic post to Brussels during Hard Talk Interview with the BBC, last week his presidential spokesperson Brian Banda who has now since fired confirmed that the president had appointed his daughter to the diplomatic post and justified the appointment saying there was nothing wrong since the president’s daughter was qualified for the job and that she went through interview.

Malawi asked not to take Rwanda’s “free” police training offer

Malawi Observer
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Malawi asked not to take Rwanda’s “free” police training offer

By Iommie Chiwalo

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has learnt with surprise and shock from media reports indicating that the Republic of Rwanda has offered to train officers from Malawi Police Service (MPs) for free of charge.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, Malawi government has been asked not to take the offer.

The offer, has come through the Rwandan Inspector General of Police Dan Munyuza, who is in the country on a five day official visit. 

In a statement made available to this publication, CDEDI is surprised with the offer because, Malawi Government has not publicly declared any area that requires capacity building.

“Secondly, the Republic of Rwanda has also not indicated, which area in the MPS it wants to help in building capacity and that Rwanda’s human rights record is a concern,” Namiwa says.

He says CDEDI does not think that the Republic of Rwanda is any nearer a model where countries that are striving to embrace genuine democracy such as Malawi, can tap skills, especially for an important institution like the police office which is key in fostering democratic principles. 

Namiwa pointed out that besides infrastructural development that Rwanda is undertaking, it is not a hidden secret that there are massive reports of human rights violations bordering on excessive use of force by law enforcing agencies; unlawful and arbitrary detentions; internet restrictions by the State; lack of freedom of expression; human rights activists and opposition political party leaders being silenced through arbitrary arrests and imprisonment based on trumped-up charges; etc.

“Obviously, Rwandan police are take centre-stage in this gloomy picture. The proposed offer for training our police service by the Rwandan police confirms our fear that the recent Malawi Government directive to relocate all refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka is politically motivated,” he says.

Another source of worry, as expressed by Namiwa, is that the offer is coming at a time the Republic of Rwanda is busy hunting down some of its nationals who have sought political asylum in various countries, including Malawi.

“We would like to challenge the Malawi Government to tread carefully with these newly-found good Samaritans. Ironically, this offer is also coming at a time when dust has not yet settled on accusations that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, and his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) are pushing through Parliament laws have traits of dictatorship,” he says in a statement.

However,Namiwa says, remarks by Malawi’s Inspector General of Police Dr. George Kainja, who has assured all refugees and asylum seekers in the country that they are free to either return to their home countries, or continue living in Malawi for as long as they want are a sigh of relief.

But, according to Namiwa, while CDEDI would like to commend Dr. Kainja for his assurance that the police will continue to protect the lives and property of the Rwandan refugees and asylum seekers, it is important to point out that a larger percentage of the refugees that fled and continue fleeing Rwanda are victims of political persecution and infringements of basic human rights. 

“That said, much as we respect Inspector Munyuza’s sentiments that he sees no reason for his countrymen and women to continue coming to Malawi as refugees and asylum seekers, reports from the Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the Department of State of the United States of America, show things to the contrary,” he says.

It is against this background that CDEDI has since reiterated its earlier commitment that it will continue lobbying for the integration of well-meaning refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi who are significantly contributing to the country’s social and economic development.

Namiwa warns the Malawi government, to desist from receiving offers that may end up compromising the country’s human rights record and democracy, and the hard-won democracy.

But National Police spokesman James Kadadzela says the offer was based on goodwill looking at common security challenges facing the African continent continent.

Why President Chakwera appointed daughter a diplomat

Malawi Observer
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Why President Chakwera appointed daughter a diplomat

President Lazarus Chakwera is not ashamed of nepotism by appointing his second born daughter, Violet Lille Chakwera to be a diplomat in Brussels, Belgium because he is trying to get rid of her from Malawi due to her marital issues, we can exclusively reveal.

Violet Chakwera is now Mrs. Violet Leany, yes, you heard us right, Mrs. Violet Leany not Mrs. Violet Mwasinga as she has always been known until a few days after her father ascended to the presidency in June 2020.

Now it has been established that Violet terminated her marriage with Ron Mwasinga and quickly got married to a self-acclaimed ‘Man of God,’ Pastor Jordan Leany, a Malawian with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) roots who was running a church in London, the United Kingdom.

Now it’s not like the name Pastor Jordan Leany is his real name. Modern day Pastors! His real name, we have established is Nelson Kalamba Msowoya.

Well, we also stumbled upon some information that Pastor Jordan Leany, oops, Nelson Kalamba Msowoya, whatever you want to call him, attempted to sit for Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) at Liwaladzi Private Secondary School in Nkhotakota but miserably failed! “Anagwa nawo a Form Form”!

We can also confirm that Leany, well, Msowoya trekked to the United Kingdom where he stays with his dad and started a ‘church’ and does not have any other job apart from the ‘Facebook Church.’

A family member, speaking on strict condition of anonymity, said Chakwera was fond of Mwasinga who was running his errands even before he became President, but was deeply disappointed when Violet ended her marriage with Ron (Mwasinga) on a ‘godly’ advice from the self-acclaimed Pastor Leany.

Violet and Pastor Jordan Leany or Nelson Kalamba Msowoya during their wedding which President Chakwera shunned

“What happened was that Violet met this Pastor Leany (Nelson Kalamba Msowoya) on one of her trips to the UK and he advised her that her husband (Ron Mwasinga) was going to destroy her father’s Presidency because he was possessed with ‘evil spirits’ (Dziwanda) and that she should leave him immediately saying ‘God’ had shown him the signs.”

“Violet indeed ended her marriage with Ron without any valid reasons and this broke President Chakwera’s heart because out of all his son’s in-laws it was Ron who he was fond of. President Chakwera sponsored Ron Mwasinga’s trip to Canada to start a new life, that is how he valued Ron,” said the family member.

Church poster says it all…Mama Violet Leany

Before long and as expected of self-acclaimed Men of God, Pastor Leany had another vision for Violet Chakwera.

“This Pastor now told Violet that God had shown him a vision that she should be the Pastor’s wife! And Violet agreed to marry Pastor Leany,” said the family member.

Pastor Leany, who was running the Christian Brethren Centre under the Jordan Leany Ministries in the UK then moved to Malawi to get married to Violet.

President Chakwera and the First lady Madame Monica Chakwera shunned the wedding but Violet went ahead with the wedding to her Man of God new husband.

Meanwhile Pastor Leany moved in with five of his kids from his previous marriages and settled with Violet with her four children from her previous marriage with Ron Mwasinga. They now live comfortably at one of the houses in B2 section at Kamuzu Palace State Residence, where the President’s grown children and close relatives are accommodated.

“Now the President’s decision to appoint Violet to the embassy is in some way to get rid of her and the ‘large’ family she has created in just under six months. It is a household of 9 children and the President with advice from some of his advisers decided to appoint her as a diplomat in Brussels so that she should not bring disrepute to the presidency when these issues start coming out,” said the family member.

“But we also do not know the intentions of this Pastor Jordan (Nelson Kalamba Msowoya) because clearly he has some intentions if you look at the speed of how things have happened and how he quickly relocated to Malawi when he married Violet even when it was clear that Violet’s family did not approve of the marriage,” added the family member.

Pastor Jordan Leany has also convinced Violet to be part and parcel of his ministries and she even appears on posters of the Jordan Leany Ministries as ‘Mama Violet Leany.’ (See the picture)

Malawians are livid with anger after it was announced that Chakwera had appointed his daughter as a diplomat and the State House communications team even defended her appointment saying she is ‘qualified for the job.’

“The president has so far appointed over 2,000 people since he came to power and you are complaining about only one person just because she is the president’s daughter? We at State House found that to be wanting. 

“Like, seriously she cannot get a job because she is the president’s daughter? Is that a crime? She is qualified,” President Chakwera’s said 

We have, however, discovered that Violet’s highest qualification is a certificate in International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

Violet used to be an outbound ticket Sales Agent for Kenya Airways and before that she used to work for Air Malawi as a ticket sales assistant.

She completed her secondary school education at Mchinji Secondary School where she obtained her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) but she never proceeded to a college or university.

Pastor Leany (right) has also travelled with President Chakwera to Education summit in London

Mutharika rejects ACB’s witch hunting drive

Malawi Observer
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Mutharika rejects ACB’s witch hunting drive

Former President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has told ACB to go to hell with their persecution drive.

In absence of any charge in your so called interview, the whole exercise is regarded as political gossips because I already gave the Fiscal Police the necessary tools on this TPIN issue last year in October, ” fumes Mutharika in his two page letter to Martha Chizuma’s ACB.

Mutharika has challenged the ACB that if the body continues to force him to grant them interview he will exercise his “rights to silent”.

Mutharika has for the first time lauded the Courts for throwing out the seizure application that ACB wanted to get to freeze again his bank accounts.

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